Is Emory’s Soccer Team About to Make History? Discover the Shocking Opponent They're Facing!

The WashU women’s soccer team celebrates its penalty shootout victory against the University of Chicago. (Courtesy of Brian Bishop Photography)

In a thrilling showdown, the No. 1 ranked WashU women's soccer team has secured its spot in the national championship game after a nail-biting penalty shootout victory against the No. 7 University of Chicago. This marks the Bears' third consecutive trip to the championship, where they will face off against their University Athletic Association (UAA) rivals, the No. 2 Emory University Eagles, on Saturday, December 6.

Head coach Jim Conlon emphasized that while the team is celebrating their significant victory, the journey is not yet over. "We’ll enjoy this win and advancement, but really try and start getting our bodies back physically tonight, but emotionally, let them celebrate this, and then we’ll get back to work tomorrow,” he stated following the match.

The rivalry between WashU and Emory has been intense throughout the season, with both teams consistently dominating their opponents. Emory's only loss during the regular season came at the hands of WashU, who triumphed 2-1 back on October 26. In that encounter, WashU's sophomore forward Olivia Clemons clinched the win with a decisive goal in the 81st minute. However, Emory proved to be a formidable competitor, presenting a tougher challenge than most teams faced by WashU this season.

Last year, Emory fell short in the Final Four against William Smith College, a team WashU eventually defeated to claim the national championship. This year, Emory's path to the final has been anything but easy. They have not trailed in any of their five tournament games, which included a decisive 3-1 victory against the No. 19 Johns Hopkins University in the Sweet 16. Their journey also featured shutouts against Belhaven University and Rhodes College and a solid 3-0 victory over Tufts in the Final Four.

Emory's attack is spearheaded by junior forward and first-team All-American Kaitlyn Nimmer, who has tallied 13 goals and 11 assists this season. Supporting her are sophomore forward Mikayla Camp, with 11 goals, and junior midfielder Madison Teng, who has contributed seven goals and seven assists. Defensively, the Eagles are anchored by senior first-team All-American Michelle Davidson, helping the team maintain a stringent defense that has allowed more than one goal just twice this season.

“It’s going to be a great game with two fantastic teams,” said Emory head coach Sue Patberg. “I think one of the most exciting things is that people are paying attention. ... I think this is going to be one of the best showcases of Division III, and I think you’re going to see more great soccer on Saturday.”

This championship game is shaping up to be a thrilling clash between two dominant programs that have consistently demonstrated their scoring prowess throughout the season. For WashU, the forward line, including standout players like Clemons, senior Grace Ehlert, and senior Ella Koleno, must be at their best to penetrate the Eagles' disciplined defense. Meanwhile, WashU's midfield, led by junior Sophie Viscovich and sophomore Kate Martin, will need to control the tempo if they hope to contain Emory's aggressive attacking style.

The stakes are high as WashU aims to defend their title and claim back-to-back championships in a match set for 11 a.m. Central Time at Kerr Stadium in Salem, Virginia. Fans can catch the action live, as the game will be streamed for free on the NCAA website.

As both teams prepare for this monumental showdown, the anticipation builds. With talent and determination on both sides, Saturday promises to deliver an unforgettable display of college soccer.